Beware the Handyman
Times are tough and budgets tight, so it only makes sense to try to save a little money, right? Many people hire handymen instead of plumbers to try to save money. Handymen have a valued place in our economy, but should not be used to repair your plumbing. Plumbers go to school for four years initially and are then required to take continuing education courses throughout their careers. They not only possess greater knowledge, but they know the local and state building codes that handymen do not have to know. Plumbers are licensed and bonded to work on your plumbing; handymen are not and legally cannot perform plumbing work. Not only can the state board, the CCB, not help you if something goes wrong with a handyman, but you often have to hire a plumber anyway when the handyman does not have the knowledge to make the repair meaning you pay twice. For many people, their home is their biggest investment. Don’t put your home at risk. More damage is caused by water than by fire. Make sure the person working on your plumbing is a trained, licensed, and bonded journeyman plumber.
I’m a Do It Yourselfer and able to take care of most of my plumbing and other raipers around my home (3rd SFH). We had a kitchen upgrade/remodel in mid-Dec 2006 with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, one which involved a gas cooktop reconnection. Despite everything I read and buying all the gas connection parts from Lowes, my wife insisted we call an experienced plumber. I used Angies List (there is a $ 50 or so annual membership but the consumer feedback and categories are very good and well written). The plumber came in, installed what fittings I had bought and tested for leaks, and bill was only $ 69